KR101632904B1 - X-ray imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

In the X-ray imaging apparatus, the control unit controls the swing drive means to rotate the circular arc arm to rotate the X-ray source 11a and the X-ray sensor 12 around the subject K, Ray flux L transmitted through the subject K by the X-ray sensor 12 while simultaneously performing the shifting of the transmissive portion of the X-ray flux L detected by the X-ray sensor 12 on the subject K of the X- L is detected. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the cost by using the X-ray imaging means having the detection range of a relatively narrow range, and to improve the efficiency of the imaging operation and to reduce the vibration of the driven member such as the X- Lt; / RTI >

Description

[0001] X-RAY IMAGING DEVICE [0002]

Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus, and more particularly, to an X-ray imaging apparatus that acquires a CT (computerized tomography) image using an X-ray imaging unit having a detection area with a relatively narrow range.

An X-ray source for irradiating an X-ray flux to a subject, X-ray imaging means for detecting an X-ray flux transmitted through the object, and swing drive means for swiveling the X-ray source and the X- And is capable of CT photographing and panoramic photographing (refer to Patent Document 1). The X-ray imaging apparatus described in Patent Document 1 uses a two-dimensional sensor having a wide detection area necessary for CT imaging as X-ray imaging means.

However, in a two-dimensional sensor having a wide detection area, the entire X-ray imaging apparatus becomes expensive at a high price. Therefore, an X-ray photographing apparatus which makes it possible to function as a virtual two-dimensional X-ray imaging means in a range in which the X-ray imaging means having a relatively narrow detection range is moved by the moving means to detect the X- (See Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-225455 International Publication No. 2010/150719

However, in the X-ray imaging apparatus described in Patent Document 2, for example, a step of taking an image while moving the X-ray imaging means in a predetermined range by a moving means, and a step of moving the X- It is necessary to perform deceleration and acceleration at the time of temporary stop and restart of the driven member such as the X-ray imaging means. As a result, the moving speed of the X-ray imaging means is reduced immediately after the start of the movement of the X-ray imaging means and immediately before the movement of the X-ray imaging means is started. In addition, an inertial force due to acceleration / deceleration acts on the driven member such as the X-ray imaging means, which causes the driven member to vibrate.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus which can reduce the cost by using X-ray imaging means having a detection region with a relatively narrow range, And an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of reducing the vibration of the X-ray apparatus.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an X-ray imaging apparatus including an X-ray source that irradiates an X-ray source onto an object, an X-ray imaging unit that detects the X-ray flux transmitted through the object, Ray imaging means; a swing drive means for swinging the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging means around the subject by rotating the support member; And a control unit for controlling operations of the swivel drive unit and the shift unit, wherein the control unit rotates the support member by operating the swivel drive unit to rotate the support member The X-ray source and the X-ray imaging means are rotated around the subject, and the X-ray imaging means That of the X linear velocity detected by shifting the transmission region in the subject at the same time, while running is characterized in that executing the detection of the X flux transmitted through the subject by the X-ray imaging means.

According to the present invention, by shifting the transmissive portion in the subject of the X-ray flux detected by the X-ray imaging means, the X-ray imaging means can be used as a virtual wide two-dimensional X-ray imaging means in a range corresponding to the shift of the transmissive portion Function. In this way, for example, a CT image can be acquired using cheap X-ray imaging means having a detection range of a relatively narrow range, which can contribute to cost reduction.

The X-ray source and the X-ray imaging means are rotated around the subject, and the X-ray imaging means detects the X-ray flux transmitted through the subject while simultaneously performing the shift of the transmission region in the subject of the X- Whereby temporary stopping and restarting of the driven member such as the X-ray imaging means and the like can be reduced. As a result, the speed reduction can be suppressed for the temporary stop of the driven member from the start to the end of X-ray imaging and the operation for re-start, so that the overall shooting time can be shortened and the shooting operation efficiency is improved. In addition, since the acceleration / deceleration acting on the driven member can be reduced, the inertial force based on the acceleration / deceleration can be reduced, so that the vibration of the driven member due to the inertial force can be reduced to improve the durability of the driven member Lt; / RTI >

That is, there is provided an X-ray photographing apparatus capable of reducing the cost by using X-ray imaging means having a detection region of a relatively narrow range while improving the efficiency of photographing operation and reducing the vibration of the driven member such as the X- can do.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the control section controls the operations of the orbiting drive means and the shift means so that mutually adjacent transmissive portions of the X-ray flux come into contact with each other at two points of time before and after the support member makes one rotation of the support member .

According to the present invention, since image data (projection data) required for generating a CT image can be efficiently acquired, it is possible to further improve the efficiency of photographing work while securing image quality.

The present invention is further characterized by further comprising a turning center position horizontal moving mechanism for horizontally moving the turning center position of the supporting member in a direction along a line connecting the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging means.

According to the present invention, the distance between the X-ray source and the subject can be changed by the turning center position horizontal moving mechanism, and thus the size of the FOV (field of view) can be adjusted.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a slit for regulating the range of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source is provided so as to face the X-ray imaging means with the subject interposed therebetween.

According to the present invention, the image quality can be improved by reducing the amount of scattered rays by providing a slit that regulates the range of the X-ray flux.

The present invention is characterized in that the shift means includes a circular movement means for rotating the X-ray imaging means around a circular movement center axis disposed on a line connecting the subject and the X-ray imaging means to circularly move around the subject, And the support member is composed of an arc transfer arm supported on the arc transfer center axis provided on the swivel arm pivoted by the orbiting drive means and the circular arc transfer means for circularly moving the arc transfer arm is rotated Ray source and the X-ray imaging unit are rotated around the subject by rotating the circular arc arm by turning the swivel arm by means of the swivel driving unit by the swivel driving unit, And the X-ray imaging means is moved around the subject in an arc It characterized in that it is configured to.

According to the present invention, an X-ray source and an X-ray imaging means are provided on a circular arc moving arm serving as a support member, and the circular arc moving arm is axially supported on a circular movement center axis disposed on the swing arm, The imaging means can be turned around the subject by the swivel driving means through the swivel arm. In addition, by rotating the arc moving arm by the arc moving means, the X-ray imaging means can be moved in the circular arc around the circular arc moving center axis, and thus the transmitting portion of the X-ray flux in the object can be shifted. Therefore, by detecting the X-ray flux passing through the object while moving the X-ray imaging means by the circular arc moving means, the X-ray imaging means can function as a virtual wide two-dimensional X-ray imaging means in a range in which the object is moved in the circular arc .

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the circular arc moving center axis is provided at a position where the X-ray source is disposed.

According to the present invention, since the X-ray source is not circularly moved by moving the X-ray imaging means around the X-ray source, the stable X-ray flux can be irradiated to suppress image blurring. Further, for example, when the X-ray source is rotated in the moving direction of the X-ray imaging means in addition to the circular movement of the X-ray imaging means, a certain region of the X-ray can be irradiated to the X-ray imaging means, .

Further, in the present invention, it is preferable that the shifting means is arranged so that the turning center position of the supporting member is moved in the circumferential direction of the turning center position for moving in the circumferential direction of the circle centered on the point on the line connecting the X- And is a moving mechanism.

According to the present invention, the support member provided with the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging means is pivoted around the pivot center position of the support member by the pivot drive means, and the pivot center position of the support member is moved by the pivot center position circumferential movement mechanism And moves in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on a point on the line connecting the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging means. Thereby, the X-ray imaging means is moved in the circular arc around the point, and the X-ray flux transmission region in the subject can be shifted. Therefore, by detecting the X-ray flux passing through the object while moving the X-ray imaging means in the arc by the turning center position circumferential moving mechanism, the X-ray imaging means can be detected as a virtual wide two-dimensional X- Function.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the shift means is a linear movement means provided on the support member and linearly moving the X-ray imaging means.

According to the present invention, the X-ray imaging means can be linearly moved by the linear movement means, and thus the X-ray transmission region of the object can be shifted. Therefore, by detecting the X-ray flux passing through the subject while linearly moving the X-ray imaging means by the linear movement means, it can function as a hypothetical wide two-dimensional X-ray imaging means in a linearly moving range.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the cost by using the X-ray imaging means having the detection region with a relatively narrow range, and to improve the efficiency of the imaging operation and to reduce the vibration of the driven member such as the X- A photographing apparatus can be provided.

1 is a side view schematically showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention,
Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the main part for explaining the operation of the shift means,
Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a main control configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus,
Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the outline of the CT photographing operation,
Fig. 5 is a plan view schematically showing the appearance of the first wheel when the X-ray source and the X-ray sensor are turned around the subject,
Fig. 6 is a plan view schematically showing a second-wheel-side view when the X-ray source and the X-ray sensor are turned around the subject,
Fig. 7 is a plan view schematically showing a third wheel when the X-ray source and the X-ray sensor are turned around the subject,
Fig. 8 is a plan view schematically showing the fourth wheel when the X-ray source and the X-ray sensor are turned around the subject,
Fig. 9 is a plan view schematically showing the fifth round when the X-ray source and the X-ray sensor are turned around the subject,
Fig. 10 is a plan view showing overlapping views of Figs. 5 to 9,
11 is a plan view for explaining a reconstructed image obtainable area,
12 is a side view schematically showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention,
13 is a plan view schematically showing the periphery of the shift means according to the second embodiment,
14 is a perspective view schematically showing the periphery of the shift means according to the second embodiment,
15 is a side view schematically showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

Incidentally, in the drawings shown below, the same members or equivalent members are denoted by the same reference numerals. Further, the size and shape of the member may be schematically shown by being deformed or exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[First Embodiment] Fig.

Fig. 1 is a side view schematically showing the schematic configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a bottom view of a recessed portion for explaining the operation of the shift means 5. Fig.

1, a dental X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a head (not shown) having an X-ray source 11a for irradiating an X-ray L to a subject K An X-ray source 12 as an X-ray imaging means, an arc transfer arm 2 as a support member for supporting the X-ray source 11a and the X-ray sensor 12, Of the X-ray flux L detected by the X-ray sensor 12 and a servo motor for rotating the X-ray source L around the arm turning center axis C1, And a shift means (5) for shifting the shift register.

Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the case of applying for dental use is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be widely applied in the medical field.

The swivel drive means 3 is provided on the XY table 15 and is configured to be able to rotate and drive the pivot shaft 31 through a deceleration mechanism (not shown). The swing drive means 3 and the pivot shaft 31 are made movable in the two-dimensional plane by the XY table 15. [

The swing drive means 3 and the XY table 15 are arranged in a frame 10 extending in the horizontal direction and the frame 10 is movable vertically with respect to the column 9 extending in the vertical direction . Incidentally, reference numeral 81 in Fig. 1 denotes an operation section operated by an operator.

The pivot shaft 31 is fixed to the upper portion of the pivot center position horizontal movement mechanism 4. The pivot center position horizontal movement mechanism 4 includes a connection shaft 41 fixed to the upper surface of the pivot arm 32, Lt; / RTI >

The turning center position horizontal moving mechanism 4 is a mechanism for moving the connecting shaft 41 in a direction along a line connecting the X-ray source 11a and the X-ray sensor 12, specifically, in a horizontal direction in the longitudinal direction of the swing arm 32 . Here, the turning center position horizontal moving mechanism 4 includes a nut portion 42 to which the connecting shaft 41 is fixed, a male screw member 43 screwed to the nut portion 42, And a male screw member rotational driving means 44 such as a servo motor for rotationally driving the member 43. [ That is, the turning center position horizontal moving mechanism 4 causes the nut portion 42 to rotate by the operation of the male screw member rotational driving means 44 and to rotate the connecting shaft 42 with respect to the arm turning central axis C1 by the screw feeding operation, (41) in the longitudinal direction of the swivel arm (32). According to this configuration, the distance between the X-ray source 11a and the subject K can be changed, thereby adjusting the size of the FOV (field of view).

The swiveling drive means 3 rotates the arc transfer arm 2 through the turning center position horizontal movement mechanism 4 and the swivel arm 32 to rotate the X-ray source 11a and the X-ray sensor 12 on the object K). ≪ / RTI >

The shifting means 5 shifts the transmission region of the X-ray flux L detected by the X-ray sensor 12 from the object K to a line connecting the X-ray source 11a and the X- And a function of shifting in the vertical direction. The shift means 5 rotates the X-ray sensor 12 around the circular arc moving center axis C2 provided on the line connecting the subject K and the X-ray sensor 12, In the circumferential direction.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 rotates the circular arc arm 2 by turning the swing arm 32 by the orbiting drive means 3 to rotate the X-ray source 11a and the X-ray sensor 12 The X-ray sensor 12 can be circularly moved through the subject K by rotating the arc-moving arm 2 by the shift means 5 while rotating the X-ray sensor 12 around the subject K. [

The X-ray source 11a is provided on a support member 11b fixed downward from the arc transfer arm 2. [ Therefore, the irradiation direction of the X-ray flux L irradiated from the X-ray source 11a changes in accordance with the rotation of the arc transfer arm 2, and is synchronized with the irradiation direction of the X-ray flux L, The line sensor 12 also moves in the arc (see Fig. 2).

The slit 13 for regulating the range of the X-ray flux L irradiated from the X-ray source 11a is provided so as to face the subject 11 of the head 11 so as to face the X- K). The slit 13 causes the X-ray flux L compressed in the subject K to pass through the subject K and be detected by the X-ray sensor 12. By providing the slit 13, the amount of the scattered rays can be reduced and the image quality can be improved. Further, the slits 13 may be arranged so as to be slid downward in the arc transfer arm 2.

The X-ray sensor 12 detects an X-ray L passing through the subject K and uses an image sensor having a CMOS sensor, a CCD sensor, a CdTe sensor and other relatively narrow vertical length detection areas Can be configured.

For example, a CMOS sensor is characterized by low cost and low power consumption, and since a CCD sensor has a high resolution, an optimum image sensor can be selected according to the specifications required for an X-ray imaging apparatus.

The circular arc transfer arm 2 is rotatably and axially supported around a shaft member 21 having a circular movement center axis C2 arranged in the swing arm 32 pivoted by the orbiting drive means 3. Here, the circular arc moving center axis C2 is provided coaxially with the X-ray source 11a of the head 11 disposed on the circular arc moving arm 2. [ In this case, since the X-ray source 12 is moved in the circular arc around the X-ray source 11a and the X-ray source 11a is not moved in the circular arc, the stable X-ray L is irradiated, . In addition, for example, when the X-ray source 11a is rotated in the moving direction of the X-ray sensor 12 in addition to the circular movement of the X-ray sensor 12, a certain region of the X- It is possible to irradiate the subject K with a uniform X-ray flux L which is not always different.

The X-ray source 11a, the slit 13, and the X-ray sensor 12 are provided in a straight line on the arc transfer arm 2. Therefore, a certain area of the X-ray L irradiated from the X-ray source 11a can be compressed by the slit 13 and irradiated onto the X-ray sensor 12, so that the uniform X- It is possible to irradiate the subject K to the subject.

1 and 2, the shifting means 5 includes a pivoting arm rotation driving means 51 such as a servo motor provided on the pivoting arm 32, And a drive pin 54 provided at the other end of the pivotal arm 53 and a drive pin 54 are coupled to one end so as to be coupled to each other, And a guide groove (55) formed in the arm (2).

When the rotary arm 53 is rotated in the clockwise direction R1 shown in Fig. 2 around the rotary shaft 52 by the above-described configuration, the shift means 5 causes the circular arc moving arm 2 to rotate about the circular arc moving center axis C2, When the pivot arm 53 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction R2 shown in Fig. 2 around the pivot shaft 52 in the same manner as described above, The moving arm 2 is circularly moved from the central position P0 to the inclined position P2 in Fig. 2 around the circular movement center axis C2.

The slit 13 and the X-ray sensor 12 provided on the arc transfer arm 2 can be moved in a circular arc by moving the arc transfer arm 2 around the arc transfer center axis C2 in this way.

The XY table 15 is formed by combining a linear movement guide provided movably in the X-axis direction provided so as to be orthogonal in the horizontal direction and a linear movement guide provided movably in the Y-axis direction, though not shown.

Since the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is provided with the XY table 15, the circular movement arm 2 can be moved in parallel in a two-dimensional plane in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 1 can function as a photographing apparatus capable of photographing both a CT image and a panorama image do.

That is, when the X-ray photographing apparatus 1 is used as a CT photographing apparatus, the XY table 15 is fixed and the position of the arm turning center axis C1 in the horizontal plane is fixed, thereby enabling CT photographing. On the other hand, when the apparatus is used as a normal panoramic photographing apparatus, the circular arc arm 2 and the swing arm 32 are integrally held by the XY table 15 in a state in which the arc transfer arm 2 is fixed without being moved in a circular arc, The panoramic photographing becomes possible by moving in parallel in the two-dimensional plane.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a main control configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1. Fig.

As shown in Fig. 3, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is provided with a control section 8 for performing overall control of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 as a whole. For example, the control unit 8 controls the X-ray photographing operation of the subject K. That is, the control unit 8 controls the irradiation operation of the X-ray source 11a and also detects the X-ray flux L (see FIG. 1) transmitted through the subject K by the X-ray sensor 12 . The control unit 8 also controls the operations of the swivel drive means 3, the swivel arm rotation drive means 51 and the male screw member rotation drive means 44 of the shift means 5 (see Fig. 1).

In this embodiment, the control unit 8 controls the rotation of the X-ray source 11a and the X-ray sensor 12 around the subject K (see Fig. 1) and the rotation of the X- The X-ray photographing operation of the subject K is controlled while simultaneously performing the shifting of the transmissive portion in the subject K of the line speed L (see Fig. 1).

The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 further includes an image processing section 82, an external storage device 83 and a display section 84, which are connected to the control section 8. The image processing section 82 performs image processing on the image data (image pickup data) obtained by the X-ray sensor 12 and generates various images such as a CT image and a panorama image. The external storage device 83 is, for example, a hard disk device or an optical disk device, and can store various images. The display unit 84 is, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) and can display various images.

It is also possible to switch between various photographing modes such as CT photographing and panoramic photographing through the operation unit 81 and to switch the transmission region of the subject K of the X-ray L to be detected by the X- Setting of the shift amount and the like become possible.

The operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 11. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the outline of the CT photographing operation. Figs. 5 to 9 are plan views schematically showing the first to fifth wrist positions when the X-ray source and the X-ray sensor are turned around the subject, respectively.

As shown in Fig. 4, the X-ray photographing process by the X-ray photographing apparatus 1 is executed by the operator operating the operation section 81 (see Figs. 1 and 3) (step S1). Here, the case where the CT imaging is performed will be described.

3) rotates the arc transfer arm 2 by operating the orbiting drive means 3 (see Fig. 1), and the X-ray source 11a and the X-ray sensor 12 Of the subject X of the X-ray flux L detected by the X-ray sensor 12 by operating the shift means 5 (see Fig. 1) While simultaneously executing the shifting of the X-ray source L and the X-ray source L, the X-ray flux L transmitted through the subject K along the X-ray sensor 12 is detected.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the X-ray flux L irradiated from the X-ray source 11a at the position P10 (0 degree position) in Fig. 5 that corresponds to the outer side (the lowermost side in FIG. 5) and is detected by the X-ray sensor 12. In the first wheel, the X-ray source 11a and the X-ray sensor 12 are moved such that the X-ray source 11a rotates 360 degrees to the position P16 (see FIG. 6) via the positions P11 to P15 The portion of the X-ray flux L that is detected by the X-ray sensor 12 in the vicinity of the object K and which is transmitted through the object K in the object K is shifted from the first region R1 in Fig. 2 region R2, as shown in Fig.

6, the X-ray source 11a located at the position P20 (at the 0 degree position) in FIG. 6 passes through the positions P21 through P25 to the position P26 (see FIG. 7) The transmitted portion of the X-ray flux L in the object K of the X-ray flux L detected by the X-ray sensor 12 gradually changes from the second region R2 in Fig. 6 to the third region R3 in Fig. 7 Shifted upward. 7, the X-ray source 11a at the position P30 (at the 0 degree position) in FIG. 7 is moved to the position P36 (see FIG. 8) through the positions P31 to P35 The transmission region of the X-ray flux L detected by the X-ray sensor 12 in the subject K is shifted from the third region R3 in Fig. 7 to the fourth region R4 in Fig. 8 And gradually shifted upward. 8, the X-ray source 11a at the position P40 (0 degree position) in FIG. 8 is moved to the position P46 (see FIG. 9) via the positions P41 to P45 When the X-ray flux L is detected by the X-ray sensor 12 to be transmitted through the subject K in the fourth region R4 shown in Fig. 8 to the fifth region R5 in Fig. 9, As shown in Fig. 9, the X-ray source 11a at the position P50 (position of 0 degree) in FIG. 9 is rotated 360 degrees to the position P56 through the positions P51 to P55 At the same time, the transmission region of the X-ray flux L detected by the X-ray sensor 12 on the object K is gradually shifted upward above the fifth region R5 in Fig. Incidentally, in Fig. 9, the illustration of the transmission site at the position P56 is omitted.

Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the overlapping views of Figs. 5 to 9. Fig. 11 is a plan view for explaining a reconstructed image obtainable area.

10, the X-ray source 11a is at the same position in the same angular position (V0 to V5 position) of each circumference, and the position of the X-ray sensor 12 is repeated on the circumference That is, shifted by the center of the position of the X-ray source 11a. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a state in which a wide range of the virtual X-ray sensor 12v virtually formed by shifting the X-ray sensor 12 is turned around the subject K by one turn do. In Fig. 10, the area of the subject K indicates FOV (field of view).

In the present embodiment, the control unit 8 controls the X-ray flux L at the two points of time before and after the arc travel arm 2 makes one rotation through the swing arm 32, And controls the operations of the swivel drive means 3 and the shift means 5. [ At this time, the shift amount S to which the X-ray sensor 12 shifts when the arc transfer arm 2 makes one rotation is substantially equal to the width (effective width) W of the X-ray sensor 12. 10, while the X-ray sensor 12 is shifted (the width Wv of the virtual X-ray sensor 12v) / (the width W of the X-ray sensor 12) = 5 times, Turn it. According to such a configuration, since image data (projection data) necessary for generating a CT image can be efficiently acquired, it is possible to further improve the efficiency of photographing work while ensuring image quality.

The subject K of the X-ray source L detected by the X-ray sensor 12 during the turning of the X-ray source 11a and the X-ray sensor 12 around the subject K, The transmissive region in the second region shifts. 11, the area corresponding to one width of the X-ray sensor 12 in the outer circumferential portion of the FOV can not obtain the image data (projection data) in the all directions, It is difficult to generate a reconstructed image. Therefore, the reconstructed image obtainable area RA (see Fig. 11) is an area excluding the outer peripheral part corresponding to one width of the X-ray sensor 12 in the FOV.

4, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the image processing unit 82 determines that the image data (projection data) is a predetermined image data (projection data) So as to generate a CT image.

Then, the control unit 8 causes the display unit 84 to display the generated CT image (step S3). The generated CT image can be stored in the external storage device 83 as needed.

According to this embodiment as described above, the X-ray sensor 12 is shifted by shifting the transmission region in the subject K of the X-ray flux L detected by the X-ray sensor 12 It can function as a virtual wide two-dimensional X-ray imaging means in the corresponding range. In this way, a CT image can be acquired using, for example, an inexpensive X-ray sensor 12 having a detection range of a relatively narrow range, thereby contributing to cost reduction.

The rotation of the X-ray source 11a and the X-ray sensor 12 around the object K and the reflection of the X-ray flux L on the object K, which are detected by the X- Rays and the X-ray flux L that has passed through the subject K while simultaneously performing the shift of the X-ray sensor 12 can be temporarily stopped and the restarting of the driven member such as the X-ray sensor 12 can be reduced. As a result, the speed reduction can be suppressed for the temporary stop of the driven member from the start to the end of the X-ray imaging and the operation for restarting, so that the entire imaging time can be shortened and the imaging operation efficiency is improved. In addition, since the acceleration / deceleration acting on the driven member can be reduced, the inertial force based on the acceleration / deceleration can be reduced, the vibration of the driven member caused by the inertial force can be reduced, Improvement is possible.

That is, it is possible to reduce the cost by using the X-ray sensor 12 having the detection area of a relatively narrow range, and to improve the efficiency of the photographing operation and to reduce the vibration of the driven member such as the X- The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 can be provided.

In the present embodiment, the X-ray source 11a and the X-ray sensor 12 are arranged on the arc transfer arm 2 as the support member, and the arc transfer arm 2 is placed on the arc transfer center The X-ray source 11a and the X-ray sensor 12 provided on the circular arc transfer arm 2 are supported by the pivotal driving means 3 via the pivotal arm 32 to the periphery of the object K . It is also possible to circularly move the X-ray sensor 12 around the arc moving center axis C2 by rotating the arc moving arm 2 by the arc moving means as the shift means 5, The transmission region of the X-ray flux L in the X- Accordingly, by detecting the X-ray L passing through the subject K while moving the X-ray sensor 12 by the circular motion by the circular movement means, the virtual wide two-dimensional And can function as an X-ray imaging means.

[Second Embodiment]

Fig. 12 is a side view schematically showing the schematic configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a plan view schematically showing the periphery of the shift means according to the second embodiment. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing the periphery of the shift means according to the second embodiment. An X-ray radiographing apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment is different from the X-ray radiographing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above.

12, in the X-ray imaging apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the shift means 6 shifts the turning center position of the swing arm 32 as the support member from the X- Ray source 11a and the X-ray sensor 12 in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on a point on the arc moving center axis C2 which is a vertical axis passing through the X-ray source 11a Which is a turning center position peripheral moving mechanism, is different from the shifting means 5 of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same structure as that of the first embodiment is omitted, but the swivel center position horizontal movement mechanism 4 can be configured to be installed.

The pivot shaft 31 is fixed to an upper portion of the shift means 6. The shift means 6 has a connecting shaft 61 fixed to the upper surface of the swing arm 32. [

The shifting means 6 moves the connecting shaft 61 circularly around the circular arc moving center axis C2 and consequently shifts the rotational center position of the rotating arm 32 to the circular arc around the circular arc moving center axis C2 . At this time, the turning center position of the turning arm 32 corresponds to the intersection point with the arm turning center axis C1 on the turning arm 32. [

12 to 14, the shifting means 6 includes a slide gear 62 having an arc shape to which the connecting shaft 61 is fixed, a pinion gear 63 meshing with the slide gear 62, A pinion gear rotation driving means 64 such as a servo motor for rotationally driving the pinion gear 63 and a guide member 65 for guiding the circumferential movement (circular movement) of the slide gear 62. On the inside of the slide gear 62, an inner tooth centered on the circular arc moving center axis C2 is formed. That is, the pinion gear 63 is rotated by the operation of the pinion gear rotation driving means 64, and the shifting means 6 moves the connecting shaft 61 through the circular movement It is possible to move in the circumferential direction of the radius r (see Fig. 14) centered on the central axis C2. Incidentally, in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, reference numeral 66 denotes a guide groove for guiding the movement of the connecting shaft 61.

According to the second embodiment, the swivel arm 32 as the support member provided with the X-ray source 11a and the X-ray sensor 12 is moved around the swivel center position of the swivel arm 32 according to the swivel drive means 3 And the turning center position of the swing arm 32 is shifted in the circumferential direction about the arc moving center axis C2 by the shift means 6 which is the turning center position position peripheral moving mechanism. Thus, the X-ray sensor 12 is circularly moved around the circular arc moving center axis C2, and the transmitting region of the X-ray L in the subject K can be shifted. Thus, the X-ray sensor 12 is detected by detecting the X-ray flux L transmitted through the subject K while moving the X-ray sensor 12 by the shift means 6, which is the rotational center position circumferential moving mechanism, Dimensional X-ray imaging means can be made to function as a virtual wide two-dimensional X-ray imaging means in the moved range.

Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained by the second embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]

Fig. 15 is a side view schematically showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus 1b according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the X-ray photographing apparatus 1b according to the third embodiment will be described in terms of the points different from the X-ray photographing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above.

15, in the X-ray imaging apparatus 1b according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the shift means 7 is provided on the swing arm 32 as a support member, The shift means 5 is different from the shift means 5 of the first embodiment in that the shift means 5 is a linear movement means for linearly moving the shift means. In the third embodiment, the same structure as that of the first embodiment may be provided, although the horizontal movement mechanism 4 is omitted.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the X-ray sensor 12 is moved in the circular arc around the circular movement center axis C2. In the third embodiment, the circular movement center axis C2 (See Figs. 1 and 12) is set at a very long distance from the object K.

The shift means 7 which is a linear moving means includes a linear moving means 70 for linearly moving the X-ray sensor 12 and a slit 13 for regulating the range of the X-ray L irradiated from the X- And a linear movement means 75 for linearly moving the linear movement means. The linear moving means (70) is arranged on the swivel arm (32). The linear movement means 75 is provided on the swivel arm 32 through the support member 11b, but may be provided directly on the swivel arm 32. [

The linear moving means 70 includes a guide rail 71 provided along the direction of linear movement and a holder 72 which is reciprocally movably mounted along the guide rail 71 and a nut portion A male screw member 74 threadedly engaged with the nut portion 73 and a male screw member rotation driving means such as a servo motor for rotating the male screw member 74.

The linear movement means 75 for linearly moving the slit 13 likewise includes a guide rail 76, a holder 77, a nut portion 78, a male screw member 79, a male screw member 79, (Not shown) such as a servomotor for rotationally driving the male screw member. The linear movement means 70 and the linear movement means 75 are controlled so as to move in synchronism with each other.

According to the third embodiment, the X-ray sensor 12 can be linearly moved by the shift means 7, which is the linear movement means, thereby shifting the transmission region of the X-ray L in the subject K . Therefore, by detecting the X-ray flux L transmitted through the subject K while linearly moving the X-ray sensor 12 by the shift means 7 which is a linear moving means, a virtual wide two-dimensional X It can function as a line image pickup means.

Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes any combination or selection of the structures described in the above embodiments. It is possible to change the configuration appropriately within a range that does not.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the shift amount S to which the X-ray sensor 12 shifts when the arc transfer arm 2 makes one rotation is the width (effective width) (W ), But the present invention is not limited thereto. The magnitude of the shift amount S can be appropriately set according to the resolution of the required CT image or the like. For example, the shift amount S may be set such that a clearance is formed between mutually adjacent transmission sites of the X-ray L at two points before and after the arc travel arm 2 makes one revolution, The neighboring transmissive portions may be set so as to partially overlap each other. The shift amount S to which the X-ray sensor 12 shifts when the arc transfer arm 2 is, for example, half rotated, is substantially equal to the width (effective width) W of the X-ray sensor 12 .

In the above embodiment, the number of times the circular arc arm 2 is turned in the X-ray radiography is five, for example. However, the number of times as needed can be set through the operation unit 81. [

The shift means 5 to 7 for shifting the transmission region of the subject K of the X-ray flux L detected by the X-ray sensor 12 are merely illustrative. In the first to third embodiments The present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the first embodiment. For example, in the second embodiment, the X-ray source 12 is arranged to move in the circular arc around the X-ray source 11a, but the X- The transmission region of the X-ray L in the subject K can be shifted. In addition, the shift means 7 according to the third embodiment is not particularly limited to the above-described configuration. For example, the shift means 7 according to the second embodiment shown in Figs. 12 to 14, It is also possible to constitute a rectilinear moving means by adopting a straight rack instead of the rectilinear rack 62.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the circular arc moving center axis C2 is provided on the X-ray source 11a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the object K and the X- Can be arranged on a line connecting the two. In the present embodiment, the slit 13 for regulating the range of the X-ray L is disposed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and the slit 13 may not be provided.

In the above embodiment, the CT image generation processing (step S2) is executed after the X-ray imaging processing (step S1) is completed, but the present invention is not limited to this, The generation of the CT image may be performed successively from the area where it is possible. In this way, the overall reduction of the CT photographing operation time can be achieved.

An X-ray imaging apparatus can be used for medical treatment other than a dental treatment. Further, the object to be imaged may be something other than a human, and thus the X-ray imaging apparatus can be used for the inspection of an object.

1, 1a, 1b; X-ray apparatus
2; The arc transfer arm (support member)
3; The turning drive means
4; Center position horizontal movement mechanism
5 to 7; The shifting means
8; The control unit
11a; sailor
12; X-ray sensor
13; Slit
32; The swivel arm (support member)
70; Linear moving means
C1; Arm centering axis
C2; Circular movement center axis
K; Subject
L; Speed
R1 to R5; The region of the permeation site

Claims (12)

An X-ray source (ray source) for irradiating an X-ray flux (a flux)
An X-ray imaging means for detecting the X-ray flux transmitted through the subject,
A supporting member for supporting the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging means,
A rotation drive means for rotating the support member to rotate the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging means around the subject,
Shift means for shifting the transmission region of the X-ray flux detected by the X-ray imaging means in the subject,
And a control unit for controlling operations of the swing drive unit and the shift unit,
Wherein the control unit is configured to cause the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging unit to be rotated around the subject by rotating the support member by operating the orbiting drive unit, and a control unit And the X-ray imaging unit performs the detection of the X-ray flux that has passed through the subject by the X-ray imaging unit while simultaneously performing the shifting of the X-ray flux transmission area in the subject. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit controls the operations of the orbiting drive unit and the shift unit so that mutually adjacent transmissive parts of the X-ray flux at two points in time before and after the support member makes one rotation come into mutual contact with each other. Device. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a turning center position horizontal moving mechanism for horizontally moving the turning center position of the supporting member in a direction along a line connecting the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging means. 3. The method of claim 2,
Further comprising a turning center position horizontal moving mechanism for horizontally moving the turning center position of the supporting member in a direction along a line connecting the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging means. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a slit for regulating the range of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source is provided so as to face the X-ray imaging means with the object therebetween. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein a slit for regulating the range of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source is provided so as to face the X-ray imaging means with the object therebetween. The method of claim 3,
Wherein a slit for regulating the range of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source is provided so as to face the X-ray imaging means with the object therebetween. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein a slit for regulating the range of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source is provided so as to face the X-ray imaging means with the object therebetween. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Wherein the shift means is an arc moving means for rotating the X-ray imaging means around an arc moving center axis provided on a line connecting the subject and the X-ray imaging means to circularly move around the subject,
Wherein the support member comprises an arc transfer arm axially supported on the arc transfer center axis disposed on the swing arm turned by the orbiting drive means,
The circular arc moving means for moving the circular arc moving arm is provided on the swing arm,
Wherein said swivel driving means rotates said swivel arm so as to rotate said arc moving arm to rotate said X-ray source and said X-ray imaging means around said subject,
And the X-ray imaging means is configured to circularly move around the subject by rotating the circular motion arm by the circular movement means. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the circular movement center axis is provided at a position where the X-ray source is disposed. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
And the shift means is a circumferential movement mechanism for moving the rotation center position of the support member in a circumferential direction of a circle centered on a point on a line connecting the X-ray source and the X- Ray imaging apparatus. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Wherein said shift means is a linear movement means arranged on said support member for linearly moving said X-ray imaging means.

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